While it is very good Brighton's Dome should have been restored to its former splendid state, it is interesting this has been done with monies forthcoming from various sources, including the Lottery.

Meanwhile, the arguments and controversy go on over the King Alfred site.

While the residents of Brighton and Hove would, on the whole, be happy with an update of all the present facilities, Brighton and Hove City Council and Ivor Caplin MP seem to want a grandiose scheme out of proportion to the area which would generate so much traffic as to totally destroy its character.

Surely, given the Dome as an example, it would be possible to obtain Lottery funding that does not mean the council having to give up virtual control and ownership of the site to speculative builders with all the commercial off-shoots this will mean?

An updated swimming pool and other sports facilities in line with today's standards seem to be what residents want with a need to also cater for all existing facilities on the site.

I have not seen any mention of an up-dated ballroom to be included. This has been a feature of the King Alfred since its inception and is a well-used facility.

Even though it has been allowed to deteriorate, it is still the only purpose-built public ballroom in Brighton and Hove. Any omission of this in the final plans would certainly call for a complaint to the Ombudsman.

-Mrs I Young, Ladies Mile Road, Patcham